Singapore to launch blueprint, advisory panel for digital infrastructure
Claudia Chong
THE Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) is developing a road map for Singapore’s long-term ambitions for its connectivity infrastructure.
The road map will span plans for broadband, mobile and WiFi networks that provide domestic connectivity, and subsea cables that provide international connectivity.
Slated to be launched later this year, the Digital Connectivity Blueprint will also find ways of complementing other aspects, such as data centres and digital utilities.
“It will lay the groundwork for us to transcend our resource constraints and create economic opportunities for all Singaporeans,” said Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo on Tuesday (Feb 28), during her ministry’s Committee of Supply Debate.
MCI has formed an advisory panel co-chaired by Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary, and Irving Tan, the executive vice-president of global operations at Western Digital.
The panel will advise on, among other things, global and domestic trends that could affect future business and consumer demand for digital infrastructure.
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“I expect this phase of our work to take six to nine months,” said Teo, adding that sound infrastructure planning has been a cornerstone of Singapore’s success.
For instance, the rollout of Singapore’s nationwide fibre broadband network began in 2008. Today, one-gigabit-per-second plans are the standard among households, and 98 per cent are on broadband.
Dr Janil, in response to a question from Member of Parliament Tin Pei Ling, said that recent measurements by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) show Singapore has achieved 95 per cent nationwide outdoor coverage on the city-state’s first two 5G standalone networks.
“With the rollout progressing well ahead of schedule, our focus is currently on supporting the industry in tapping 5G’s capabilities to enhance their operations and service offerings,” said Dr Janil.
Use cases for 5G are being developed. IMDA and the National Research Foundation have set aside S$70 million since 2019 to drive the development of innovative 5G technology.
Under the second tranche of support, the agency launched the S$30 million 5G Innovation Programme in 2021. To date, seven 5G projects have been awarded.
One project that will commence this year involves the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre, the multinational corporation’s first such facility in the world.
The project involves deploying over 100 mobile robots across the factory floor, simultaneously transporting materials needed for vehicle manufacturing. 5G technology will enable seamless real-time data transmission between the backend automated control system and the robots.
Meanwhile, MCI will step up ways to boost the research and innovation capabilities of individuals, companies and institutions, said Dr Janil.
The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office and National Research Foundation will launch dedicated calls for AI investigatorships in the coming months, targeted at top-tier AI researchers who can also groom other promising talent.
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